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Every day we are inspired to keep Nick’s light shining. As we reflect on the Christmas season and look forward to a new year, the theme of joy and light is always central to our mission. There is a beautiful symbolism in the Jewish tradition that combines movement, light, prayer, and the soul. The belief is that every time a person engages with the Torah, the light of his or her soul ignites, which is why he or she moves like the flame of a candle during prayer. In the Catholic Christian tradition, lighting a candle in church is a way to remember a loved one and be reminded that Christ is the light of the world.
2024 will mark 10 years since Nick’s soul danced to its heavenly home and his light has not diminished. It shines brightly through the teens who participate in Thrive in Joy’s C11 program based on 11 of Nick’s character strengths. It shines in the faces of those we serve and those who serve with us in the Dominican Republic. We see Nick’s light in the faces of his friends and our families as engagements and weddings are celebrated. Our prayer for all of us this new year recalls the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., when he said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness and hate cannot drive out hate. Only the light can drive out darkness and only love can drive out hate.” May you find light, joy, love, and reason to dance in 2024.
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